April 21, 2014

Kyle Orton doesn't show up for Day 1 of Cowboys' off-season program

Cowboys backup quarterback Kyle Orton was not at Valley Ranch for Day 1 of the team's off-season program, according to sources. The workouts are voluntary, and a source said the team remains hopeful Orton eventually shows up.

Orton was wavering on whether to retire, but Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said last month that after talking to Orton's agent, David Dunn, the team expected Orton to return. Orton would have to repay the Cowboys $3 million of his $5 million signing bonus if he calls it quits.

Dunn did not immediately return a phone call.

Orton, 31, played in the regular-season finale against the Eagles after Tony Romo had back surgery. Orton completed 30 of 46 passes for 358 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions as Dallas lost the win-or-go-home game. Orton has played in four games, with one start, in two seasons in Dallas.

The Cowboys signed former Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden last month. But they have not carried three quarterbacks on their 53-player roster since 2011 when Stephen McGee served as a develomental prospect after the Cowboys made him a fourth-round pick in the 2009 draft.